Chapter 49: Teammates
Ishiro trained for over ten days at the Anbu facility, not because he was unqualified—he'd already met Anbu standards within three days—but simply because there wasn't a suitable team vacancy at the time.
Although Anbu had a high casualty rate, it was now peacetime, and there weren't always open slots. During wartime, many Anbu squads had merged into regular combat forces. Shortly after the war, Anbu had already replenished its ranks. Over the past two years, while Anbu still sustained losses, no existing teams lacked a ninjutsu specialist like Ishiro.
That changed when Anbu Squad 18 of Unit Two recently lost a ninjutsu user to a sneak attack by Suna puppet users during a secret mission in the Land of Wind.
Upon receiving the assignment, Ishiro promptly went to report to Squad 18, whose three members had been informed in advance and were already awaiting him at an Anbu training base.
Entering the training grounds with his mask on, Ishiro met three similarly masked shinobi. Two women and one man, all adults judging by their heights. Using the sensory techniques learned during his training, Ishiro memorized their unique chakra signatures.
The three observed him briefly before one female Anbu spoke first. "I'm the captain of Squad 18, codename 'Shiden' (Purple Lightning)." She pointed at the other woman and the man in turn. "This is 'White Cat,' and this is 'Pebble.'"
Ishiro couldn't help giving Pebble a curious glance, surprised by the quirky codename. Pebble, however, was already accustomed to this reaction and didn't mind, simply asking, "What's your codename?"
Ishiro replied, "My codename is 'Rock'." Having reincarnated many years ago, he'd almost forgotten his original name—Rocky. Using "Rock" as his Anbu codename was a subtle nod to his grounded and resilient nature.
Captain Shiden nodded in acknowledgment, then said, "Let's get to know each other through combat. Each of us will attack you individually to test your strength. You'll also learn about ours through our attacks."
Without further warning, White Cat immediately attacked. Ishiro wasn't caught off-guard. While swiftly retreating, he rapidly formed hand seals, astonishing White Cat with how quickly—just over one second—he executed his Water Pressure Line Jutsu.
Yet White Cat was clearly an elite Anbu member. Facing this unexpected attack, she twisted her body in an almost unnatural manner, narrowly evading the jutsu and quickly regaining her balance to continue her approach.
Ishiro had never expected one jutsu to decide victory against an elite Anbu. As soon as he'd released the first attack, he began forming hand seals again—this time Earth Spike Jutsu. However, White Cat displayed incredible agility, continuously dodging Ishiro's earth spikes with precision.
Exhaling calmly, Ishiro again swiftly cast another jutsu—the original Water Line Jutsu, weaker but much faster. At closer range, this faster attack finally put White Cat under significant pressure.
Although she barely dodged the attack, she lost her balance due to the strain. Relieved, Ishiro realized her bizarre movement had limits after all. Without pause, he continued firing rapid Water Line Jutsus, forcing White Cat to repeatedly execute desperate maneuvers. After four consecutive evasions, she finally reached her limit and could no longer regain her balance.
Just as Ishiro believed he'd secured victory, something black suddenly flew toward him from a nearby shadow. Startled but already halfway through his next seals, Ishiro quickly redirected his attack towards the incoming object.
To his astonishment, the object smoothly twisted mid-air, evading Ishiro's attack, landing nearby, and immediately charging at him again. Ishiro now saw it clearly—a sleek black ninja cat wearing Iwa's forehead protector, undoubtedly White Cat's partner.
With no time to ponder whether it was like Konoha's Inuzuka clan pets or Kakashi's summon, Ishiro quickly changed tactics, using his stronger Water Pressure Line Jutsu. Realizing this, the black cat decisively retreated, returning to White Cat's side.
White Cat had already recovered by then. Standing together, they easily dodged Ishiro's subsequent attack. Facing him calmly, White Cat declared, "Rock, I acknowledge your strength." She then withdrew with her feline partner.
Before Ishiro could rest, Pebble rushed forward, unsheathing his sword. Recognizing a kenjutsu (swordsmanship) specialist, Ishiro immediately tested him with a swift Water Line Jutsu.
Pebble cleanly sliced through Ishiro's technique without slowing. Adjusting quickly, Ishiro used Water Pressure Line Jutsu, prompting a cautious dodge from Pebble. Clearly, White Cat's abnormal agility was a unique case; most shinobi couldn't simply power through ninjutsu.
Maintaining pressure, Ishiro cast Earth Spikes continuously, forcing Pebble into desperate dodging until he was eventually cornered and forced to surrender. Frustrated, Pebble muttered complaints, evoking laughter from White Cat watching from afar.
Ishiro couldn't help smiling, reminded of his former teammate, Shouhara, who also struggled similarly against Ishiro's ninjutsu barrages.
As Pebble retreated, Captain Shiden launched a sudden assault. Instantly alert, Ishiro sensed movement behind him, but before he could complete his turn or seals, a blade already rested against his throat. Sweat trickled down his forehead.
For the first time since becoming a Chunin, Ishiro felt utterly powerless against another shinobi.
Captain Shiden was clearly a speed-type Jonin. To her, a ninjutsu specialist like Ishiro was an easy prey—one quick slash, one quick kill.
Even after Shiden withdrew her blade, Ishiro's heart still raced. He had never felt so helpless—not even against Kitsuchi. Though she'd attacked suddenly, Ishiro knew that even facing her head-on, he'd still have no chance.
This didn't necessarily mean Kitsuchi was weaker, but Shiden's speed-based style perfectly countered Ishiro's own.
After calming himself, Shiden finally said, "Rock, you've passed. From now on, you're a member of our squad." She then removed her mask, prompting White Cat and Pebble to do the same.
Understanding the protocol, Ishiro removed his mask too. Shiden had a sharp, tough beauty, while White Cat's delicate, doll-like face made her look deceptively younger. Pebble, surprisingly, was the most handsome, while Ishiro himself appeared rather ordinary by comparison, still bearing traces of youth.
Despite initial appearances, Shiden's squad had already witnessed Ishiro's strength. Though surprised by his age, they accepted him readily into their ranks.
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